This is the 62nd article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on the Dune Soapberry.
If you like nature and are searching for a tree for a small garden in the coastal belt, the Deinbollia oblongifilia is for you. At this time of year, the tree sends up flowering heads that are very attractive for a wide range of bees, other insects and butterflies.
ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley. Humans visiting the reserve
When the small round fruit have ripened, a range of fruit-eating birds, like the Sombre Bulbul, come to the trees. The seeds give the tree its common name; they can be rubbed in water to produce a lather. Although I have not tried it, maybe I should – at least I would not be buying soap made from palm oil, the cultivation of which is causing the destruction of tropical forests. Apparently, the leaves can also be eaten.
Watching this tree in its context, you realize how different forms of life connect with each other. Such is the enthusiasm of wildlife for this tree that its seed spreads around the area, and it is frequently encountered as a seedling in my garden.
Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.
The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.
Do you want to receive news alerts on this and many other stories relevant to the Durban area via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
